Chapter 34: Calm Before the Storm

Disclaimer: I do not own Alien/Predator series or any characters and may not follow all customs and cultures found in Alien/Predator movies.

WARNING: Rated MA for intense and graphic sexual content. Viewer discretion is advised. Read at your own risk!

As planned, our army managed to get everything settled by a day, getting the supplies and gears stored and ready to go. With the Clan Leaders cooperating well, their followers worked fluently like a clean car motor. The ooman soldiers did their best to keep up with the demand but it was obvious to even a blind man that they were going half the speed of the Yautja. It was a bad thought for me but it was the truth. Regardless, we got everything done and we took off before you know it.

All fifteen hundred ships and three hundred Mother Ships . . . The magnitude of the numbers, not including the Yautja and oomans soldiers were still not catching up to me.

Thanks to the wormholes, our army made it to D'icou in one piece. We'd sent scouts ahead to make sure we didn't have any Bad Bloods waiting for us. Knowing Hak'rouh, he is always scheming something. It made my blood boil but I had to keep it together, saving it for when the time comes. And from what I could feel deep into my bones, it wasn't going to be long.

The planet was more like a desert filled with cliffs and few trees, the only protection against the hard twin suns that are unusually seen on Yautja Prime but have reached all the way here. It gave me an estimate of how close we were to war.

Everyone got settled in the open outskirts near the cliffs, setting up fire pits as the darkness of night slowly came. As per usual, the anticipation of war got to some of the younger Yautja warriors. Clicks and growls were heard from all around. Some of them tried to start picking a fight, which was explained pretty clearly that it wasn't permitted. I don't want a premature bloodbath before it even starts. I sent Yeyinde, Nei'himan-de, Za'hir, and Jin'sakai to keep them under control. They did a pretty good job when two males started shoving each other. Yeyinde broke them off while Za'hir and Nei'hman-de taught them a lesson. Jin'sakai oversaw the rest and with his presence, the rest kept their heads down.

For the ooman side, Dutch, of course, was like Jin'sakai and made sure the soldiers kept their cool. Does he ever take a break? Everyone was much quieter and enjoying the calm before the storm. It eased everyone's anxiety, having some time to talk and prepare.

I walked around myself, watching everyone mind their businesses. I smiled, seeing them interact, exchange stories, and such. What made me happy was that Rory and McKenna were doing well, much more than I expected. Brackett. Sa'iye and Lex seemed like they were becoming best buddies, curious about the small bump Sa'iye had. It was strange that a Yautja female would allow another species to touch the unborn pup. But this was Sa'iye and she loved to show off, telling them what she wanted to touch the pup when it's born. It made me wonder a little bit. Of course, Xen'ork had to make fun and it ended with him almost losing his head from Daugo who was listening in. I swear he's going to get killed before the war starts.

With Royce and Izzy, they spent their time together alone. It was understandable, given that they had a much different bond than anyone else. At least when I talked to Royce, he was much calmer and accepting of me. Another obstacle is destroyed and another ally takes its place.

I felt a warmth inside my chest. It was a piece of solace that I held on before the dark thoughts came. When tomorrow comes . . . all of these people around me . . . this could be the last moment I see them alive. It stung in my chest but I kept quiet and continued on my patrols until it was nighttime and the stars were out.

With everyone settled for tomorrow, I decided I needed some peace. . . somewhere to gather my thoughts. I explored the cliff sides and wandered off to check it out. It was more like a maze but for some reason, I knew where I was going. I made it through the other side and found a nice spot. A tree that was bigger than the ones in the outskirts, standing strong and spreading its branches as if reaching the sky. The long braids full of leaves draped down like a weeping tree on Earth. It was soothing.

Just the right place.

I walked to the base of it and took off some of my armor. My leg braces and shoulder plates came off and I placed them by a thick root of the tree. With only my loincloth and leather bra, I kneeled before it and closed my eyes in meditation. It was a practice that many Elders and other warriors used to keep their minds clear and sharp but I never really got into it until recently. I guess stress can do that to you.

I enjoyed the peace for a while until I heard heavy footsteps from behind. I was about to open my eyes and turn to see who it was until I heard a familiar voice, followed by the scent of spring rain. I smirked and shook my head. "You can never leave me alone, can't you?"

I got to my feet as he chuckled softly. "Never. Especially when it comes to you."

He paused. "What are you doing here by yourself?"

I sighed. "I needed to get some air. With tomorrow coming and knowing the good times might come to an end . . . I wanted to meditate and—"

I stopped when I turned around, frozen in surprise when I saw Lar'ja. He stood there with all too familiar armor with the metal loincloth and a chest plate with the two golden lives coming into an almost v-shape. His abdomen was covered in a thin sheet of armor with his sides opened and veiled with the body net. There were some additions on his wrist gauntlet, having a few parts that might be where hidden weapons were. But overall, he looked the same as before . . . from so long ago. His mask hooked on the side of his belt. I couldn't help but smile at the memory. The first time we met . . . so long ago.

"You're wearing that."

Lar'ja looked down at himself and chuckled when he looked back at me. "Yeah. It took me forever to get it fixed. With us moving a lot and trying to dodge Bad Bloods, I didn't have many tools, materials, and time to fix it. I was lucky to have Arkarb take care of the rest."

"It still looks good on you. I still remember you trying to kill me when I came into your crashed ship." I crossed my arms, tapping my finger.

He lowered his head. "Yeah. I thought it would be appropriate since this is all going to end soon."

End soon . . ? I sighed, not wanting to ruin this moment with thoughts about future bloodshed and death. Not now, Anya.

I walked over to Lar'ja slowly, taking my time to reach him. As soon as we were only a few inches apart, I looked up at his golden eyes for a moment before touching his armor, observing it. Everything was still the same. I traced a few of the patterns and remembered all the good times on Earth we have. It seemed like so long ago and yet it felt like it was only yesterday.

The night we spent gazing at the stars . . . the sunset . . . the Loonies . . . I miss that. Now, I feel old.

I leaned my forehead on his chest, letting the good times flow within me. His arms wrapped around me like a net, gently and soothing. I let him do as he pleased as he combed my hair with his claws, scraping on my scalp that made it feel good. His purrs were endless and I treasured every one of them.

"Anya?"

I hummed. "Yes?"

"I've been thinking . . . maybe it's best if someone else leads the frontline. Someone other than yourself."

I froze in shock, clinching hard to his armor. The war plan was that I, along with my Elites, would be on the frontline when our ships come into the orbit of Yautja Prime and draw out the Bad Bloods. It made sense since I was the intended target that Hak'rouh wants. Maybe even more since I killed Qut'suak and destroyed a valuable ship in the process. The rest would stay close behind but it's still a risk being separated by the fleet. Even so, I was determined to lead my army. But I should have known better than to think Lar'ja won't say anything without argument. My safety was his priority and I appreciated it sometimes. But in war, there are no exceptions.

I pushed away from him, seeing that he wasn't expecting me to react. I wasn't angry but I wasn't happy either. "I won't do that, Lar'ja. And you know that."

"I understand, Anya."

He lowered his gaze for a moment. "But I can't risk putting you in danger so early in the war. Exposing yourself, given that you're a target, would give Hak'rouh a fair shot at you. If you die . . ." His mandibles tightened inside his mouth. The strain of keeping his cool was showing. "If anything were to happen to you, I couldn't bear it. I already lost you once and I fear it can happen again. Everyone needs you."

He wasn't wrong about that last part. If I die, then there's a possibility that the army would fall apart. The only thing keeping them together is me and my Elites along with the protection of the oomans. Even so, I was a warrior and I wasn't going to back off because of fear. Lar'ja is my life mate but he needs to know that I won't back down.

Staying calm, I closed my eyes and took deep breaths before locking eyes with him. He must have sensed that I was serious because his expression was one that you would see if someone was scared for their life. And he was no exception.

"I understand . . . but I know the risks of war, more than anyone else. I've been through worse times than this and come out alive. I am the Leader of the Elites and I will bow to no one's will, even if it's yours."

I made my voice sound serious but also compassionate. I didn't want him to think that I didn't trust him but also that I demanded respect. I saw him lower his gaze as if ashamed. And again, my words kind of backfired and it was frustrating. What do I say?

I sighed. I need to tell him.

I stepped back to him. Lar'ja looked down to me, a little wary of what I was going to do. I waited for a moment to pass, making sure I remembered what I was going to say. With a deep swallow, I just winged it.

"Look. Everyone came here because they believed in me. Many have sacrificed so much . . . their pride. . . and most with their lives . . . so that we can be here today. Remember the Loonies?"

Lar'ja nodded without hesitation. How could he not?

"They gave their lives so that we could stop the Bad Bloods from taking Rory . . . from completing what they wanted on Earth. But we stopped them. And in doing so, we protected Earth, which is like a second home to me along with Yautja Prime. If McKenna and the others didn't believe me back then . . . we would be long dead."

Lar'ja's mandibles twitched but his eyes told me that he was understanding the meaning of my words. Good so far . . . But my heart is pounding.

"And then, I made new friends when I arrived at Yautja Prime for the first time. I thought no one was going to accept me. But then Sa'iye came . . . Daugo . . . Za'hir . . . Xen'ork . . ." I bit my lip in the next part. "Olgoth and T'uark . . . they came when I called them because they believed in me. They never gave up searching for me when everyone thought I was dead."

I raised my hands. "And now . . . we have an army who came when I called them. I proved to them that I was much their equal as anyone else, despite being a hybrid. Everyone is here and many more friends have come because they believed in me . . . in us. And now, we're here to take back our home but it's much more than that."

I came closer to Lar'ja. Now, only inches separated us. His golden eyes never left me, intense in their gaze on mine. My heart pounded even faster, straining my will not to huff and puff like I ran a marathon. It will only serve to make Lar'ja worried. I inhaled as deep as I could go and then slowly let the air out.

"We are fighting not just to free a planet . . . but also to protect the lives of our friends and loved ones. To protect the future of Yautja and ooman species alike for generations to come. Our future and . . ."

I paused, swallowing deeply. "And . . . the future of another."

"Another?"

It was the first time Lar'ja spoke since I began ranting about what was important. This is it. I thought my heart would leap out of my chest and fly far away but I had to do this. He needed to know. Slowly, I took one step back and reached for his hand. He didn't fight or question what I was doing as our hands bound between us.

With one deep breath, I twisted my fingers until I got a good grip and pulled his hand, resting it on my lower stomach.

At first, Lar'ja looked at his hand in confusion but it only took a few seconds before he pulled his head so fast, looking at me with widened eyes. Shock and awe were all over him.

"You're pregnant?"

I tried to strain a smile from coming on my lips but I couldn't help. I nodded slowly. "I am."

He blinked his eyes and pulled away, still looking like someone struck him out of nowhere. "How?"

I chuckled a little, mostly from being as baffled as he was. "When we were back on the U'dar system, I was eating and sleeping a lot lately. Sa'iye ran some more tests and found out. It's the reason why I couldn't heal as well anymore. We guess that my body is putting all of its energy to keep the unborn pup alive and well."

I started rambling. I still was getting used to this and now that I told Lar'ja, I was letting it all out.

"I didn't think this was possible but here it is. I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want to be seen as fragile to you or anyone else. I know it was wrong of me and I should have told you sooner. But I was worried and I was freaking out when I first found out. I don't want you to tell anyone and—"

Out of nowhere, Lar'ja embraced me in a tight hug, forcing me to stop in shock. Instinct told me to pull away but he gripped me harder and his warmth was so inviting. It became hotter than I remember along with his scent growing. I was hooked to him but I had so many questions about his reaction. It was . . . unexpecting.

"Are you . . . not mad at me?

I felt his dreadlocks brush against my shoulders as he leaned his head over my shoulder. "How could I be mad?"

"Well . . . I didn't tell you until now."

"It doesn't matter. You're here and carrying my pup . . . our pup . . . inside you. I thought it wasn't possible for a long while." He pulled away. My eyes widened as I could see happiness in his golden eyes shining brightly. "We're going to be parents?'

I couldn't hold it in much longer. The happiness grew in my chest and I let a few tears fall from the corner of my eyes. "Yes. We are going to be parents." I swallowed. "That is why I need to fight, Lar'ja. Not just for everyone . . . but for our family. We have to fight."

At that moment, our eyes locked on each other. My heart was still pounding but full of elation now. I wonder if he feels the same too. He raised a hand to my cheek and brushed off some of the tears that were drying up. He brought it up to his inner mouth and licked it. A tingling sensation went to my core, igniting a fire that both of us were feeling.

The next thing I knew, Lar'ja picked me up and pushed my back onto the tree while pressing his mouth onto mine to share a kiss. I moaned into his mouth but reciprocated back. I wrapped one arm to his back and dug my claws while the other squeezed a handful of his dreadlocks. He hissed and pulled away, looking deep into my eyes. Our labored breaths mixed in the air between us.

"I want you . . . so badly. Right now . . ." His voice was hoarse and full of longing. How could I deny him? I want him too.

I chuckled. "Then what are you waiting for?"

Without hesitation, Lar'ja rips off the belt keeping my loincloth together, exposing my core as he pushes between my legs. I moaned and welcomed him in, wrapping them around his waist as we continued our kiss. His tongue slips between my teeth and battles my own as one hand works on removing his loincloth. The other pulls off one side of my leather bra and exposes my breast. The air makes me shiver upon contact.

He doesn't waste any time and pulls his mouth away to lick and suck on my nipple. I moaned without a care in the world, too far gone to worry about making noise for everyone to hear. They would know better not to intervene in a mating. I threw my head back when he finally released his cock from its prison and didn't hesitate to push himself inside me.

Pauk! He feels bigger than before.

But then, Lar'ja doesn't move and pulls away from me. I felt frustrated but when I looked at him once more, the feeling disappeared. His golden eyes were glowing in the darkness, intense and focused. Our hearts pounding like two drums on the same beat. There wasn't much to say but none was needed. Our gazes at each other were enough.

I smirked. Come on. Give it to me.

As if he could hear me, he smirks back and kisses me once more. After that, he pounded vigorously and did not slow down at all. His cock seemed to grow thicker as we moved in unison. All I could do was moan into his mouth and hold on for dear life as we joined together, enjoying this throughout the night.

For this, I felt strong and free for the first time. Like nothing could stop up if we are together. I had my friends . . . my allies . . . and Lar'ja with me. And now . . . this pup that is growing inside me. I didn't feel weak.

I felt invincible.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The morning had finally come. The day when we're to set off for Yautja Prime at last.

Everyone was getting ready, sharpening their weapons, and gathering their supplies for a grueling battle to come. I watched from the top of the cliff in my full armor, waiting for when I had to make my speech. It was custom in Yautja society to do so, to enrich the warriors to stay confident and face death with honor. From this point of view, I could see thousands of Yautja warriors . . . if not more standing to wait for me. The ooman soldiers remained at the front, protected by those I trusted to keep them safe. I started to get the jitters when someone had to make a speech in front of a class.

But this is a whole species of deadly warriors and ooman soldiers. This is big . . .

"Don't stress out." Rory and Daugo came to my side as the first patted my shoulder. "You'll do fine."

"I hope so." I swallowed hard. I turned to Lar'ja who was on my other side, nodding with a smile.

"Just think about what you need to do," Daugo spoke. "You are their leader and they will follow you if you're strong."

I nodded. "Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it."

When I heard the thumping from below, I knew it was time. The warriors were expecting me now, stomping their feet as a signal. This is it.

I smiled at Lar'ja, Rory. and Daugo before turning around. I could see every one of my friends standing beside me, smiling. Brackett, McKenna, and Lex nodded in approval. Dutch still not showing a lot of emotion but smirked. Royce and Izzy holding each other with such love . . . I almost giggled. Xen'ork gave me a wink that was uncalled for but will deal with him after it's over. Sa'iye and Za'hir stood with their chests high and proud of their leader.

I had everyone's support and the confidence in me grew.

I smiled, closing my eyes as I transformed into a Yautja. I felt it best to give my speech in this form . . . to show my superiority and strength as well as speak as loud as I could so everyone could hear me. I nodded one last time to everyone and them to Lar'ja who did the same in return.

With that, I turned around and looked down at the thousands of warriors from below.

I stood strong, firmly on the stone that stood on top of the cliff. With my friends and loved one behind me for support, my eyes looked into the horizon and watched the sun rising. The many roars and clicks from below in the valley got my attention, seeing a sight that I never thought possible.

Hundreds of thousands of Yautja warriors from every clan occupied every single part of the valley, enough that others stood on top of ships lining the tops of cliffs surrounding us. Nervousness seeped in, threatening to break my resolve. I'm not going to give up without a fight. I raised my chest high in pride, opening my mandibles into the sky.

"My fellow warriors! My brothers and sisters! We have endured the worst that the Killer Yautja has inflicted on us. But they have corrupted the world that we once called home."

It was becoming more silent. Hearing such defeat was like a low blow to a Yautja's pride but it needed to be heard. I wasn't going to sugarcoat the recent events . . . but I want them to know. I watched as many lowered their heads down. I felt my chest grow heavy with regret but I needed to push them.

I need to be strong . . . for everyone.

I inhaled deeply and kept going with my speech, letting my voice be heard."But we have strength far greater than what the Bad Bloods have planned for us. A strength that has lasted since the beginning of time when our ancestors have defeated the Killer Yautja once before."

Soon, many warriors started to look up in renewed vigor. It was like a ripple effect. As they grew more confident, my resolve also did. The flame in the center of my chest began to burn, fueling my heart to race even faster than ever before. My voice had risen in volume, enough that I started to roar.

"And now is our time! To show them that the same strength is still with us!"

Small roars and cheers could be heard and the cliffs amplified it.

"But I can't do this alone! I'm only a single warrior . . . But I'm willing to sacrifice everything to protect the worlds I have come to love! And all that inhabits them!"

The noise rose higher . . . the might of the Yautja shook the ground, enough that I could feel it underneath me.

"You are my strength! You are my pride! You are my courage! And for that . . . I am resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live or die amongst you all!"

Soon, the roars became deafening and the clash of blades and spears rattled the sky with its power. My fire spread through my fingertips and toes. My muscles bulged to the fullest and my claws sharpened like deadly fangs of a Karin'gar.

"While we stand together, we can defeat anything that comes in our way!"

Another wave of roars echoed in the valley. The air bursts onto me like waves of the ocean but fueling me to keep going."And we will show the Bad Bloods that they cannot take wherever they want! They cannot have Yautja Prime! Because it is our home that has stood for thousands of seasons! Since the beginning of time!"

Soon, many warriors started to stomp their feet in unison. The ground shook from the thunderous rhythm and out of instinct, I followed as well. My left foot slams hard on the ground, lifts before smashing back down on the hard dirt. Their spears danced and their blades clashed with each other, following the rhythm of war.

"So now I ask . . . Will you fight with me?! As equals!? To defeat our enemy and take back our home! Once and for all!"

Unable to hold the energy inside any longer, I threw my head into the sky and let out the greatest roar I've ever unleashed throughout my whole existence. My mandibles reached towards the sky like hands grasping for the sun. My arms bend as far as they could to the sides, making my chest rise in pride. All I could hear were the hundreds of thousands of roars that I believed the whole universe could hear.

I kept roaring as hard as I could, looking into the sky in defiance. I smirked at the thought that we will bring the fight to them . . . and we will succeed. I turned back to Lar'ja, Daugo, Rory, and the others as they smiled back at me. I did the same and raised my chest, feeling like I could fly if I wanted to. I thought of one more thing to say, hoping that Hakr'ouh can hear me.

Be prepared . . . We're coming for you.

Hello Everyone!

My eyes are building out of my eyes right now. So much to say about this chapter . . . except for the fact that Anya is PREGNANT! And both her and Lar'ja are going to be proud parents (of course from their sex scene lol). We now know why she was acting so weird and why her blood wouldn't help her. Good but also bad since she has to be more careful.

But with her friends and loved ones by her side, there's nothing she can't do. She is the Leader of the Elites and she's ready to take down Hakr'ouh and the Bad Bloods once and for all!

Get ready for some blood and gore! :DDDD

Find out what happens when Chapter 35 is posted next week (Friday the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram. The best parts are coming!

Thank you for Mariah, Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, HuntressQueen22, IanAlphaAxel, Niroc8, Nightroad816, IanAlphaAxel, and Guest for the reviews on Chapter 33. Your opinions matter to me. And I hope I hear from more readers.

Thank you and Good Hunting! Stay safe and healthy! :)))

Reading notes:

Normal = Anya (human form) or any human speaking English (ooman language)

Italic = Anya (human form) or any human speaking Yautja

Bold = Any Yautja speaking English (ooman language)

Bold and Italic = Any Yautja speaking Yautja language